Boski's Blogopoluza!

Yes it is that time again. The World Cup. Even though it is not on the highest rung of the Boski food chain, I enjoy soccer. I know you have heard me drone about the EPL, but what got me started was watching the World Cup. I remember getting hooked watching Spain '82. Everyday watching the games on Univision. Even with the games being broadcasted in Spainish I was entralled.

Watching the wacky Kuwati's, Cameroon Lions, the CCCP, and the French/West Germany epic Semi Finals. Also watching Brazil trying in vain to stop Paulo Rossi. Who was on such a hot streak the sun was sweating. It did not matter who was out there he was going to lead Italy to the cup. Which he did by beating West Germany.

But the family Boski got caught up in it because a plucky little team from Northern Ireland had found it way in. Also my grandfather had made the trek to Spain to follow them. He was a trooper, food poisoning in Barcelona could not stop him. Even thought the dream ended in the quarter-final when those stinking Frenchies beat us. But enough of that trip down memory lane lets get to the here and now and some very misguided picks on group winners Germany '06.

Group A

Germany
Poland

The host will coast through. At times looked great on O, but the D is shaky. Poles are solid and should get through.

Group B
England
Sweden

England will get everyone's hopes and lose in either a very heartbreaking or bizarre way. England fans, good news suicide prevention hotlines will be manned round the clock through the World Cup. ABBA's Army another solid but not spectacular squad

Group C
Argentina
Netherlands

I do not know if it was because I believed the hype the Four Four Two was spouting that the Argentines have the answer for Brazil. They are loaded and I think have the fire power and the D to beat anyone. (hint, bet against them). The Clock Work Orange, probably the best team not to win a cup. They had some great teams back in the 70's, but they still have good teams and you never turn your back on them.

Group D
Portugal
Mexico - barely

Portugal should have no problems getting through and they will not be caught off guard this time. Mexico has issues in net, but I think they have enough to finish ahead of Iran and Angola.

Group E
Italy
Ghana

Even with the match fixing scandal hanging over Italy and fitness of the Czechs and that we are sending our best team. We are not getting through. Italy will rally and get through and I think the Ghana will be surprise team and get out of the group. Even if we did get through the USA would get the 800 pound gorilla that is Brazil.

Group F
Brazil
Croatia

Brazil and the 3 dwarfs. It is all a fight for second and I think Croatia will eke though and then get flattened


Group G
France
South Korea

Any team with a Zidane and Henry can beat anyone. I think the French will be apart of the final four. South Korea has come a long way and will get to the knock out round. Hopefully it will be at Switzerland's expense. I hate the Swiss. Before I get angry Swiss letters it is my envy that you beat the Irish in Euro '04 qualifying and 06 World Cup qualifying. There I got it out hate me as you wish.

Group H
Spain
Ukraine

Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, please enjoy your time in the tourny.


Knockout Round

Germany beats Sweden

England beats Poland

Argentina steamrolls Mexico

Dutch upset Portugal in overtime

Italy beats the Croats as the clouds grow back home

France beats Ukraine

Brazil beat Ghana like a rug

Spain wins on a golden goal

The Quarter Finals

Argentina beats Germany 2-1 and Klinsmann is run out of town.

England plays their best match and beats the Dutch.

Brazil cruises past Spain

France clip Italy after Henry makes great second half run

Semis

It is funny how history repeats itself. But the Argentines get revenge again for the Falklands as they beat the English who lose Rooney in the first half, then lose Cole to a controversial red and lose a 2 - 1 lead in injury time and then lose in Overtime 3-2. England have chances late but are stopped by the 12th defender, the goal posts, three times.

In another classic the French are trying to reverse history by being the first group to invade Germany and win. The French win even though they had to withstand Soccer's answer to weapons of mass destruction that is Rolandinho and the rest of the Brazilian strikers.

Finals

Argentina wins without the "hand of god" 2-1 in a good but not terribly memorable match.

But then this is just the ranting of a man who has troubles with tying his shoes